Topic: How To Invest

Hi, Pat. What is your recommendation on American Hotel Income Properties REIT? Thank you.

Article Excerpt

American Hotel Income Properties REIT, $10.30, symbol HOT.UN on Toronto (Units outstanding: 34.8 million; Market cap: $354.8 million, www.ahipreit.com), owns 79 hotels comprising 6,891 rooms in 27 U.S. states. Of that total, 44 of its hotels (which operate under the Oak Tree Inn brand) mainly house railway employees. American Hotel believes this is a profitable niche market, as contracts with large railways keep occupancy rates high relative to the overall hospitality industry. The hotels are close to large rail-switching yards and hubs, and the railways guarantee to keep them about 76% occupied. The specially designed buildings feature crew shuttles and 24-hour food service. The remaining 35 hotels operate under a variety of licensed banners, including Hilton, Holiday Inn and Marriott. American Hotel began trading in February 2013, after it sold 10.1 million units to the public at $10.00 each. The REIT continues to expand beyond accommodation for the railroad…